Overloud has launched the Gem Comp160, a VCA compressor plug-in that emulates three distinct versions of the classic dbx 160 in a single instance, with a suite of modern processing tools built in.
Few pieces of studio hardware have left a mark quite like the dbx 160. Fast, punchy and deeply musical, it’s the kind of compressor that engineers reach for instinctively on drums, bass, vocals and full mixes. Overloud’s Gem Comp160 doesn’t just emulate one version of it, but gives you three.
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The plug-in lets you switch between the VU, XT and A models within a single instance. The VU is the original, with classic punch, analog character and VU-style metering, widely regarded as the father of all VCA compressors. The XT runs warmer and denser, with enhanced low-frequency presence and a fuller bottom end courtesy of an optional transformer in the reference model. It also features Overeasy control for soft-knee compression, making it the most harmonically rich of the three. The A model takes things in a cleaner, more modern direction – slightly faster response, tighter control and a broader frequency response that suits a wide range of applications. Switching between models preserves your settings, so comparing them on a given source is quick and painless.
As producer, engineer and YouTuber Guy Britton puts it, “Anything where you want to bring a bit more energy, a bit more life, a bit more snap to a sound using compression, this Comp160 is great for that, and the different models make it so flexible.”
Beyond the three models, Overloud has loaded the Gem Comp160 with a solid set of modern features. Built-in Mid-Side processing lets you shape mid and side information independently – useful for widening mixes or tightening the low end. Parallel compression is handled internally, so you can blend wet and dry without external routing. User-controllable harmonic generation lets you dial in as much or as little colour as the track calls for, while Ultra Oversampling keeps things clean when you’re pushing the compression hard. Rounding it out are A/B comparison, multilevel undo-redo, VU meter calibration at four sensitivities and Scribble Strips for on-panel notes.
The Gem Comp160 is available now. Purchases include a perpetual licence, free lifetime updates and authorisation on three computer.
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